A New Sanctuary

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

Israel had been scattered by the Lord because of their disobedience. They are not in their homeland and they are not with their friends and families in many cases. They cannot meet face-to-face. They are isolated, distressed and unsettled.

In the midst of that, Ezekiel the prophet, God’s voice to His people proclaimed, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’” (Ezek. 11:16)

A sanctuary is a place of refuge. Sometimes it is a building, sometimes a room (the TenBoom house for Jews), sometimes a cave (David hiding), etc. The Psalmist put it this way, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (46:1)

We are not Israel, God’s people. God does not live in a tabernacle today as He did in O.T. times; he lives within our hearts. But there is a lesson here by clear implication: you may be scattered, but God is with you. He is still your sanctuary/refuge.

Today we are scattered, isolated. No church. No traditional worship services or small group meetings. No face-to-face warm fellowship with groups of more than 10.  And God is providing a new sanctuary, technology. Who would have thought? How many have resisted, especially older folks?

Our “meetings” are now via TV, Skype, Zoom, the internet, streaming, etc. A new tabernacle, a new way of worship, a new way of togetherness, a new way of refuge.

Take advantage of all of the new ways Christian organizations and churches are reaching out in the present “scattered” circumstances. God is our sanctuary, not buildings.

 

Written By Neil Fichthorn: Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.

---

Think About This: “We must meet the uncertainties of this world with the certainty of the world to come.” – A.W. Tozer

The Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 62-66 | You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, -1 Peter 1:6-7

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.